{"id":9895,"date":"2023-10-16T13:00:31","date_gmt":"2023-10-16T13:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/?p=5825727"},"modified":"2023-10-16T13:00:31","modified_gmt":"2023-10-16T13:00:31","slug":"four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof\/","title":{"rendered":"Four minority-owned marijuana manufacturers joins forces under one roof"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"wp_fb_like_button\" style=\"margin:5px 0 5px 5px;float:right;height:100px;\"><script src=\"http:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/all.js#xfbml=1\"><\/script><fb:like href=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof\/\" send=\"true\" layout=\"standard\" width=\"450\" show_faces=\"false\" font=\"arial\" action=\"like\" colorscheme=\"light\"><\/fb:like><\/div><div class=\"media_block\"><\/div>\n<p>Finding a physical location to open a cannabis business in Denver is challenging. Ask local Sarah Woodson and she\u2019ll tell you it\u2019s among the biggest barriers to entry for new entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n<p>Woodson would know. In addition to opening Denver\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/2023\/03\/01\/cannabis-experience-marijuana-bus-airport-rides-smoking-tours-denver\/\">first legal marijuana tour bus company, The Cannabis Experience<\/a>, she\u2019s the founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecolorofcannabisco.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Color of Cannabis<\/a>, an organization that advocates for BIPOC representation in the industry. One of the pillars of her work is a 10-week course that supports <a href=\"https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/2022\/07\/20\/cannabis-marijuana-delivery-social-equity\/\">social equity business applicants<\/a> \u2014 people of color and other marginalized groups that were <a href=\"https:\/\/www.denvergov.org\/files\/assets\/public\/v\/1\/business-licensing\/documents\/marijuana-annual-report-2022.pdf\">disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs<\/a> \u2014 and helps them bring their ideas to life.<\/p>\n<p>Last year, while scouting potential brick-and-mortar locations with one of her class graduates, Woodson found a creative solution to one of the challenges facing cannabis entrepreneurs: A 10,000-square-foot warehouse in Montbello where multiple product manufacturers could share the space and, importantly, the rent.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5827932\" class=\"wp-caption alignright size-article_inline_half\"><img class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof.jpg\" alt=\"DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 06: Cannabis entrepreneur Sarah Woodson, Hewing of The Color of Cannabis in the office side of a shared warehouse space in Denver October 06, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross\/The Denver Post)\" width=\"6840\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"5827932\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof.jpg 620w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-L-CANNABIS-WAREHOUSE_JAC8227.jpg?fit=310%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 310w\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">DENVER, CO \u2013 OCTOBER 06: Cannabis entrepreneur Sarah Woodson, Hewing of The Color of Cannabis in the office side of a shared warehouse space in Denver October 06, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross\/The Denver Post)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cWhat\u2019s so nice about this facility is it was built out for a larger multi-state [edibles manufacturer], so they really put a lot of money and effort into it,\u201d Woodson said. \u201cThe property was fully licensed already in the city so we knew it would work.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Now, four new businesses are preparing to start cooking edibles and making concentrates under their one shared roof. It\u2019s not a place that customers can visit or buy anything, though marijuana enthusiasts can expect to see these products in dispensaries by late this year or early 2024.<\/p>\n<p>The Color of Cannabis also relocated its headquarters there, and two additional spaces are still available for rent.<\/p>\n<p>This opportunity makes starting a new business more affordable than it otherwise would be, said Riccardo Russell, co-owner and lab manager at Monstera Melts, which makes concentrates.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019d have to work four jobs to really make it happen any other way. It\u2019s my little hobby and now I can take my dream to market,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s really cool.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Desiree Duran, CEO of La Vida Dulce edibles, echoed that sentiment.\u00a0\u201cIf it wasn\u2019t for [Sarah], I don\u2019t know if we\u2019d be doing this,\u201d she said. \u201cWe can\u2019t shell out $10,000 for a building. The way it\u2019s structured, we\u2019re able to share the cost of the building.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Woodson hopes this model can be recreated throughout Colorado to empower more social equity licensees to get into this industry. <a href=\"https:\/\/sbg.colorado.gov\/social-equity-license-eligibility-criteria\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Social equity<\/a>, as defined by Colorado statue, includes individuals whose income is less than 50% of the state median or who have a cannabis-related conviction in their record or a family member\u2019s record.<\/p>\n<p>Though Denver has made new cannabis business licenses available exclusively to social equity applicants until 2027, the financial burdens associated with securing locations and licensure still keep many from cashing in.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEconomics make a huge difference and the way I\u2019ve always been able to tap into that is through business ownership,\u201d Woodson said. \u201cIt\u2019s really part of my calling is to help others to help establish economic freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what\u2019s to come from social equity collaborators C\u2019est La Vie Coffee, La Vida Dulce, Monstera Melts and Strain 16. Most of these businesses are in the process of getting licensed and anticipate selling their products by late this year or early 2024.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-slideshow\">\n<ul data-total=\"3\">\n<li data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img alt=\"C'est La Vie Coffee is a Denver-based company manufacturing coffee...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-1.jpg 620w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-cestlavie-03.jpg?w=780 780w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-cestlavie-03.jpg?w=810 810w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-cestlavie-03.jpg?w=1280 1280w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-cestlavie-03.jpg?w=1860 1860w\" \/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"slide-caption\">C&#8217;est La Vie Coffee is a Denver-based company manufacturing coffee pods infused with THC. (Provided by Damian Mathis\/24K Motion Pictures)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img alt=\"C'est La Vie Coffee founder Nicholas Goodwin chose the pod...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-2.jpg 620w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-cestlavie-01.jpg?w=780 780w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-cestlavie-01.jpg?w=810 810w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-cestlavie-01.jpg?w=1152 1280w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-cestlavie-01.jpg?w=1152 1860w\" \/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"slide-caption\">C&#8217;est La Vie Coffee founder Nicholas Goodwin chose the pod format to be able to microdose each one precisely. (Provided by Damian Mathis\/24K Motion Pictures)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"3\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img alt=\"C'est La Vie is expected to be in dispensaries by...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-3.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-3.jpg 620w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-cestlavie-02.jpg?w=780 780w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-cestlavie-02.jpg?w=810 810w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-cestlavie-02.jpg?w=1152 1280w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-cestlavie-02.jpg?w=1152 1860w\" \/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"slide-caption\">C&#8217;est La Vie is expected to be in dispensaries by early 2024. (Provided by Damian Mathis\/24K Motion Pictures)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<h4>C\u2019est La Vie Coffee<\/h4>\n<p>Nicholas Goodwin knows the therapeutic benefits of cannabis firsthand. In 2016, the Colorado Springs resident was involved in a car accident that left him injured and in need of multiple back surgeries \u2014 and with a subsequent opioid addiction.<\/p>\n<p>A year later, Goodwin kicked his dependence on opioids with the help of THC and CBD, which he\u2019d also seen provide relief to his family members battling cancer. That\u2019s when Goodwin decided to venture into the cannabis space in hopes of helping others like him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy first passion was coffee, and I was like, how can I marry the two together?\u201d Goodwin said.<\/p>\n<p>The answer is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cestlaviecoffee.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">C\u2019est La Vie Coffee<\/a>, a forthcoming line of cannabis-infused coffee that offers two buzzes from one brew. Goodwin started experimenting with recipes about seven years ago and developed a proprietary emulsification process to create single-origin and bean blends he plans to sell in coffee pods, similar to K-Cups.<\/p>\n<p>Goodwin chose that format because it provides more accurate dosing for consumers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019re all microdosed to exact specifications of 10 milligrams, or I can do it down 5 milligrams or I can do a 1-to-1 (THC to CBD ratio). I can go all the way up to 25 milligrams,\u201d Goodwin said. \u201cSo I can pinpoint my dosage in K-Cups carefully and precisely.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Plus, it makes sense with more people working from home post-pandemic, he added. Eventually, he plans to expand offerings to include infused teas and one day even a hospitality lounge where guests can imbibe his products onsite.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-slideshow\">\n<ul data-total=\"3\">\n<li data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img alt=\"La Vida Dulce is a panderia-style edibles company baking champurradas,...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-4.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-4.jpg 620w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-lavidadulce-05.jpg?w=780 780w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-lavidadulce-05.jpg?w=810 810w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-lavidadulce-05.jpg?w=1051 1280w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-lavidadulce-05.jpg?w=1051 1860w\" \/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"slide-caption\">La Vida Dulce is a panderia-style edibles company baking champurradas, a spiced hot chocolate cookie, and biscochito, a shortbread cookie, as well as Mexican candies infused with THC. (Provided by La Vida Dulce)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img alt=\"La Vida Dulce is a panderia-style edibles company baking champurradas,...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-5.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-5.jpg 620w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-lavidadulce-01.jpg?w=780 780w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-lavidadulce-01.jpg?w=810 810w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-lavidadulce-01.jpg?w=1280 1280w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-lavidadulce-01.jpg?w=1860 1860w\" \/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"slide-caption\">La Vida Dulce is a panderia-style edibles company baking champurradas, a spiced hot chocolate cookie, and biscochito, a shortbread cookie, as well as Mexican candies infused with THC. (Provided by La Vida Dulce)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"3\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img alt=\"From left to right: Dijonn Duran, Desiree Duran, Christina Villagomez,...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-6.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-6.jpg 620w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-lavidadulce-02.jpg?w=780 780w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-lavidadulce-02.jpg?w=810 810w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-lavidadulce-02.jpg?w=1259 1280w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-lavidadulce-02.jpg?w=1259 1860w\" \/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"slide-caption\">From left to right: Dijonn Duran, Desiree Duran, Christina Villagomez, and Chris Marquez of La Vida Dulce. (Provided by La Vida Dulce)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<h4>La Vida Dulce<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LaVidaDulce3O3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">La Vida Dulce<\/a> means \u201cthe sweet life\u201d in Spanish, and the company\u2019s name is a harbinger of what\u2019s to come from the panaderia-inspired edibles manufacturer.<\/p>\n<p>Cousins Desiree Duran, CEO, and Christina Villagomez, COO, are self-described new cannabis converts who realized the substance\u2019s medicinal potential after using it to deal with pain. In Duran\u2019s case, it also helped her relinquish her dependence on opioids.<\/p>\n<p>After trying to start a marijuana delivery service in 2021, the duo pivoted to baking edibles with help from their partners, Dijonn Duran and Chris Marquez, who had more experience with marijuana.<\/p>\n<p>They plan to differentiate themselves from other edibles on the market by embracing their Hispanic heritage. Villagomez serves as the head baker, making delicacies like <em>champurradas<\/em>, spiced hot chocolate cookies, and <em>biscochito<\/em>, a shortbread cookie, as well as Mexican candies infused with THC.<\/p>\n<p>Growing up, marijuana was a taboo subject in her household, Desiree Duran said. Through La Vida Dulce, she hopes to inspire the Hispanic community and add representation to the industry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe don\u2019t really have a presence in this industry, especially women,\u201d she said. \u201cWe definitely want to make an impact, we want to open the gates for more people to come and let them know you can do this.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5827931\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter size-article_inline\"><img class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-7.jpg\" alt=\"DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 06: Cannabis entrepreneurs Jamana Jamison, Strain and Ricardo Russell, Monstera Melts talk in the office side of their shared warehouse space in Denver October 06, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross\/The Denver Post)\" width=\"7750\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-7.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"5827931\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-7.jpg 620w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-L-CANNABIS-WAREHOUSE_JAC8171.jpg?fit=780%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 780w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-L-CANNABIS-WAREHOUSE_JAC8171.jpg?fit=810%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 810w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-L-CANNABIS-WAREHOUSE_JAC8171.jpg?fit=1280%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 1280w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-L-CANNABIS-WAREHOUSE_JAC8171.jpg?fit=1860%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 1860w\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cannabis entrepreneurs Jamana Jamison (of Strain 16) and Riccardo Russell of Monstera Melts talk in the office side of their shared warehouse space in Denver October 06, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross\/The Denver Post)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>Monstera Melts<\/h4>\n<p>Upon moving to Colorado in 2012, Riccardo Russell worked for several cannabis companies in a variety of roles, including trimming. But his passion lies in extraction and making concentrates.<\/p>\n<p>Russell\u2019s manufacturing skills will be on display when his company <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/monstera_melts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Monstera Melts<\/a> debuts with products such as water or bubble hash, live rosin, budder and sugar wax.<\/p>\n<p>Monstera Melts specializes in solventless extraction, meaning Russell does not use additives like butane to extract oils and trichomes from the marijuana plant. Instead, he uses cold filtered water and ice to separate the plant matter from the good stuff he uses to craft concentrates. That method offers a \u201cnatural vibe\u201d that appeals to customers and maintains the flavor profile of individual strains, Russell said.<\/p>\n<p>While many solventless extracts are currently available on the market, Russell aims to differentiate his with the quality to suit connoisseurs cannabis consumers \u2014 something he says other concentrates lack.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re going to be more of a small-batch company. We\u2019ll have limited drops at a few dispensaries, but we\u2019re hoping it will be hype enough to sell out immediately,\u201d much like limited-release beers used to excite connoisseur drinkers, Russell said.<\/p>\n<p>Monstera Melts \u2014 named for another of Russell\u2019s favorite plants \u2014 hopes to expand into edibles and other products in the future, he said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-slideshow\">\n<ul data-total=\"3\">\n<li data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img alt=\"Strain 16 is a new cannabis beverage company that specializes...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-8.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-8.jpg 620w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-strain16-04.jpg?w=780 780w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-strain16-04.jpg?w=810 810w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-strain16-04.jpg?w=1280 1280w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-strain16-04.jpg?w=1860 1860w\" \/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"slide-caption\">Strain 16 is a new cannabis beverage company that specializes in flavored lemonades. (Provided by Grey Matter Photography)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img alt=\"Strain 16 founder Jamana Jamison began making edibles after her...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-9.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-9.jpg 620w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-strain16-02.jpg?w=780 780w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-strain16-02.jpg?w=810 810w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-strain16-02.jpg?w=1280 1280w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-strain16-02.jpg?w=1860 1860w\" \/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"slide-caption\">Strain 16 founder Jamana Jamison began making edibles after her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. Eventually, beverages became the star of her homemade lineup. (Provided by Grey Matter Photography)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"3\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img alt=\"Strain 16 expects its drink will be available in dispensaries...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-10.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/four-minority-owned-marijuana-manufacturers-joins-forces-under-one-roof-10.jpg 620w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-strain16-03.jpg?w=780 780w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-strain16-03.jpg?w=810 810w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-strain16-03.jpg?w=1280 1280w,https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TDP-Z-strain16-03.jpg?w=1860 1860w\" \/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"slide-caption\">Strain 16 expects its drink will be available in dispensaries in early 2024. (Provided by Grey Matter Photography)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<h4>Strain 16<\/h4>\n<p>Jamana Jamison\u2019s foray into cannabis edibles began with a cancer diagnosis. In 2014, her sister, Jamiece, was diagnosed with breast cancer and commenced a treatment regimen that included chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and a variety of medications to mitigate the symptoms.<\/p>\n<p>Medical marijuana was available in Illinois where the Jamison sisters lived, but Jamiece didn\u2019t want to smoke it in a leased apartment. So Jamana began infusing it into condiments like butter and jam that could accompany her sister\u2019s meals.<\/p>\n<p>That parlayed into Jamana hosting infused dinners for family and friends. One night, she developed beverages that wowed guests, including her brother Chrisean, who became her biggest cannabis cheerleader.<\/p>\n<p>Strain 16\u2019s specialty is flavored lemonade made using fresh fruit juices and a nanoemulsion process that infuses them with THC. When the line debuts it will include three recipes \u2014 strawberry lemonade, mango lemonade, and pineapple lemonade \u2014 sold in 12-ounce vessels, each with 30 to 50 milligrams of THC. Jamison also plans to sell 4-ounce \u201cpocket shots\u201d with 10 milligrams of THC.<\/p>\n<p>The drinks are both approachable and delicious \u2014 two things Jamison believes separate hers from others on the market. While they\u2019ll first be available in dispensaries, she hopes to make them available in hospitality lounges for people who want an alternative to combustible weed products.<\/p>\n<p>Jamison\u2019s sister has been in remission for six years, however, her brother unexpectedly passed away in 2022. Jamison considered quitting the business altogether after that, but decided to push forward \u201cto keep his memory going,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/newsletter-signup\/in-the-know\">Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, In The Know, to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"media_block\"><\/div>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019d have to work four jobs to really make it happen any other way. It&#8217;s my little hobby and now I can take my dream to market.&#8221; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[7608,5062,52,330,7522,6811,376,1345,2435,7938,4995,7069,8187,77,5577,7816,6853,56,9,5019,7243,8311,6935,1,3,18,7072,6923,61,1736],"tags":[7609,5063,2632,2908,7525,6816,2954,3915,2436,7939,4996,7071,8188,2655,5580,7818,6854,2636,5022,7244,8312,6936,2622,7073,6924],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9895"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9895"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9895\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9895"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9895"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9895"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}